The first electric Ferrari may already have to change its name... because of Mazda

The first 100 % electric model from Ferrari hasn't even been officially unveiled yet, it could already be facing an unexpected problem. The Maranello-based brand had recently unveiled the name Luce for its future electric model, but this choice could be called into question. The reason? Japanese automaker Mazda has also filed an application to protect exactly the same name.

This situation could create an unexpected legal conflict and force Ferrari to revise its plans in line with developments in trademark registration procedures.

Ferrari unveils the name Luce for its first electric model

At the beginning of February 2026, Ferrari began teasing its very first all-electric model by revealing including the interior of the vehicle. On this occasion, the Italian brand mentioned for the first time the name Luce.

Shortly after this announcement, Ferrari officially registered the brand in Italy on February 9. The name, which means «light» in Italian, seemed to fit perfectly with the brand's strategy: to symbolize a new technological era while retaining a strong Italian identity.

Ferrari's future electric model promises to be particularly ambitious. According to initial reports, it will be equipped with four electric motors, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in around 2.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of close to 310 km/h. Energy would be supplied by a 122 kWh battery, giving an estimated range of 530 km, with the option of rapid recharging up to 350 kW.

Mazda also registers the Luce brand

But just a few weeks after Ferrari's move, another manufacturer invited itself into the story. On March 4, 2026, Mazda filed an application to protect the Luce name, this time with the Japanese Patent Office.

This filing could complicate Ferrari's use of the name in certain markets, depending on how the authorities rule on the various applications.

For enthusiasts of the Japanese brand, this choice is no coincidence. The name Luce is part of Mazda's history: it was used for a large luxury sedan produced from the 1960s until the early 1990s. In some countries, this model was also known as the Mazda 929, but the Luce name retains its historical value for the automaker.

Mazda had already brought the name back to the forefront in 2017 with the Vision Coupe, whose design paid tribute to the 1969 Luce Rotary Coupe.

An intriguing timing

In the automotive industry, it's not uncommon for manufacturers to register or renew old trademarks, simply to protect their heritage and prevent other brands from using them.

Mazda may simply be seeking to secure a historic name. But the timing of this filing inevitably attracts attention: the application was filed just after Ferrari unveiled the name of its future electric model.

Should Mazda obtain the rights in certain markets, Ferrari could be forced to use another name for its electric car in these regions, or even change its name completely before commercial launch.

Name changes are not uncommon in the automotive industry

This type of situation has already occurred several times in automotive history. More recently, Alfa Romeo had to rename its Milano crossover Junior shortly after its presentation, under political pressure linked to the fact that the model was not produced in Italy.

A famous case also dates back to 1963, when Porsche had to abandon the name 901 for its new sports model. Peugeot already owned the rights to the three-digit names with a zero in the middle, which eventually gave rise to the famous name 911.

It remains to be seen whether Ferrari and Mazda will find common ground, or whether the Italian brand will have to find a new identity for its first electric car. One thing is certain: even before its official launch in the coming months, this electric Ferrari is already the talk of the town.